Ding-dong scammers

Fraudulent door-to-door sales in Valencia

Door-to-door solicitors, posing as COC students, have been "selling" fraudulent subscriptions to local residents, college officials said in a statement Tuesday.

A resident reported two young men were canvassing the Valencia Northbridge neighborhood posing as "poor COC students" promoting a "new COC Sunday newspaper," according to the statement from College of the Canyons. No such publication exists.

The fraudulent solicitors claimed the funds were going to help students purchase new school books and supplies.

But COC never raises funds through door-to-door sales or through solicitation, college officials said.

"Somebody is trying to take advantage of the good reputation the college has built, and that's something we can't accept," said John McElwain, managing director of public relations and marketing.

"These people are not agents of the college in any way. This is not the way the college raises funds on any level."

According to McElwain, "This is the second consecutive year we have received reports of door-to-door solicitations, and residents need to know that these activities are not college sponsored."